Player's Profile
- Name: Juraj Gracik
- Position: RW
- Shoots: Right
- Height: 6-3
- Weight: 187 lbs
- Birthdate: 1986-08-14
- Eligible for Draft: 2004
- Drafted:
- Hometown: Topolcany, Slovakia
- Acquired: 5th round, 142nd overall, 2004 NHL Entry Draft by Atlanta
- Playing In: Europe
Juraj Gracik
Prospect Grade: 5.5 D (About Prospect Grades)
History
Gracik started out the year with Topolcany’s junior club, where he put up a near goal-a-game pace. This got him a quick promotion to the senior club (1st division), and Gracik continued to demonstrate his scoring acumen as he played games for both the senior and junior clubs. He finished with 17 goals in 29 games for the senior team (including one hat-trick), and 22 goals in 29 games for the junior squad. Amongst all of that activity, he was starring on the top line for the Slovakian squads at the Viking Cup, the 4-Nations tournament, and World Under-18 Championships.
He came to North America in 2004-05 and played for the Tri-City Americans in the WHL for two years.
Talent Analysis
Gracik is a ‘shoot first and ask questions’ later type of power forward. He is not afraid to let off his quick-release shot from anywhere and everywhere, and he has demonstrated a natural nose for the net. He has the skill level that is expected of a Slovakian-trained forward, and has excellent puck control in tight quarters.
Gracik is somewhat of a fitness nut who has a strict off-ice regimen that has helped him develop incredible lower-body strength. He uses this strength to his advantage and opposing defenders have an awful time trying to keep him away from their goal area. His off-ice work ethic extends onto the ice as well, and he is a player that will quickly fall into any coach’s good books. Gracik should be able to add on the additional upper body weight that NHL scouts have said is lacking.
On the downside, Gracik is not much of a playmaker, and has a hard time creating chances (other than his own rebounds) for his linemates. He is at his best when paired with a playmaking center, and this aspect of his game is remarkably similar to countryman Richard Zednik. Unlike Zednik, Gracik does not possess breakaway speed, and will always do his best work in the lower third of the ice.
Thrashers GM Don Waddell said of Gracik on draft day: “Gracik is a real talented European player, the first guy we ever drafted out of Slovakia. Real skilled, high end player that’s going to be a top six forward. Great individual skill. Young, going to have to develop.”
Thrashers European scout Bernd Freimüller on draft day:
"Gracik is a potential power forward. Played this year in the second level, senior Slovak league. Scored tons of goals. He had a four-goal game and in the junior league he had a six-goal game. He played all the time, three to four games a week. Got a little tired towards the end. But scored tons, close to 20 goals in the senior league. Tall, pretty competitive, good around the net. No problems with the physical game. Has to work a little bit on his skating, although it’s fine. And his decision-making has to get better, but I like him. I saw him with the national team Under 18, Minsk was not his best tournament, but he played some good tournaments. He came over with the national team in December to North America, played here very well too."
Central Scouting Report:
"A speedy winger who moves very well for his size...an offensive player with a good scoring touch...good overall skill level...a strong player with soft hands...excellent puck control...likes to go to the net...a good team player...works well with his linemates...could be more active in the defensive zone...a gritty player who uses his size and likes to play physical...a good competitor."
Future
Future Analysis Coming Soon...
Stats
Stats Coming Soon...
Profile Last Updated: June, 25th 2007
HF Quick Navigation
